Tag: Parliament

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RECONCILIATION NEWZ BUZZ Sept 2023 no 2, 27 Sept

Long-time Supporter of Indigenous Advancement Will Vote No to the Voice and Explains Why in a New Book Called Voice, Treaty Truth: Has the Christian Voice Been Heard? 

Pastor Barbara Miller and her husband Aboriginal pastor Norman Miller will vote no to the Voice and she explains why in a new book called Voice, Treaty Truth: Has the Christian Voice Been Heard? The book covers the journey of how she got to this decision after being an activist in First Nations affairs for over 50 years.

On the verge of the Voice Referendum and as part of a heated debate about the Voice, this new book comes out on Amazon on October 6, just in time to inform Christians and other voters on referendum day October 14.

Author Barbara Miller says, “I wrote the book because I don’t believe the Christian voice, of First Nations and others, has been heard. I don’t want Australia to be divided by race and I value equality before the law and the Voice will breach this. These are basic Christian values. If it succeeds, the Voice will divide First Nations people themselves as well as the rest of the population.

“This book not only covers all the reasons to vote yes and all the reasons to vote no as well as the progressive no case but also looks at the spiritual dynamics and motivations behind the positions people are taking. As a pastor and former psychologist, this is an important area to explore, especially when there is so much confusion around the Voice.

“I have also been an activist in First Nations affairs for over 50 years and have written over a dozen books, many of them on First Nations issues. As a historian and sociologist, I have followed the Voice debate closely and covered the history leading to where we are now. Regrettably, I will probably lose some of my friendships forged with First Nations and other activists over many years. However, I also have to live with my conscience and I have to listen to a higher Voice – the Voice of God.

“I have had visions and dreams that have led me to re-examine my position and call out the support of major churches for a Constitutional Voice. This could lead to the possible constitutional recognition of Aboriginal spirituality when there is meant to be a separation of religion and state in the constitution as per section 116 which deals with religious freedom. This section prohibits the imposition of any religious observance which could include Welcome to Country ceremonies.

“Also, I do not believe we need another expensive bureaucracy that will cut across the many First Nations voices we already have with no guarantee it will Close the Gap or improve the lives on the ground for First Nations people. 

“My husband Munganbana Norman Miller is an Aboriginal pastor and artist and is of the Jirrbal, Bar-barrum, and Wadjanbarra Yidinji people of north Queensland. He campaigned for many years for the recognition of First Nations people and the removal of racism from the constitution. He presented a giant boomerang with 360 signatures on the back saying “No Racism in the Constitution” to then-Speaker Bronwyn Bishop at Parliament House on 27 November 2013. Norman donated this to the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House and they have included it in a special exhibition.

“His on-paper petition based on the Expert Panel’s recommendations was presented to federal parliament in two stages by Warren Entsch MP in December 2013 and February 2016 totaling over 5,000 signatures gathered by hand from around Australia.

“We presented a smaller version of this boomerang to Senators Jacinta Nampijinja Price and Kerrynne Liddle at Parliament House Canberra on July 31 this year.

“I launch my book by Zoom on 29 September at 6.30 pm but it is already available for pre-order and will be sent to those who have ordered it on 6 October LINK. A paperback will be available too but you might not receive it till after the referendum.”

Chag Sameach! Happy Sukkot as we commemorate the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot Fri, 29 Sept 2023 – Fri, 6 Oct 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION OF BARBARA’S NEW BOOK

See other books on LINK

Australia is at a crossroads. Is it a racist nation? Will reconciliation ever be possible? Will it be divided forever? Will we have two classes of citizens, Indigenous and non-Indigenous after the Voice Referendum on October 14? Do we have to deal with the original sin of colonialism as the foundation of Australia from which we can never have redemption or forgiveness?

Is separatism the way forward? Or can Australia heal after this divisive debate over the Voice to Parliament and government referendum? We are fighting for the very heart of Australia. We are soul-searching about who we really are as a nation and what we want to be and our vision of the future. We are told that whether we are black or white, First Nations or non-Indigenous that if we vote yes, we are enshrining racism in the constitution and if we vote no, we are racist, ignorant, and hateful. Years of work for reconciliation and to build a multicultural cohesive society in Australia are at risk.

Has the Christian voice been heard? This book gives a Christian response by a pastor and former psychologist who has been an activist and researcher in First Nations affairs for over 50 years. She explains why she has changed from supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart to voting no at the referendum.
Barbara is a prayer leader, sociologist, and historian who is a bestselling author and has written over a dozen books, most of them on Australian history involving First Nations people. She has also written books on the Holocaust and on Christianity.

HAVE A PRAYER NEED? LET US KNOW

Also World Prayer Assembly in Perth 3-6 Oct 23 –
 https://world.prayerassembly.org/

THE MOST AMAZING VIDEOS ON ISRAEL, PRAYER, WORSHIP, THE APOSTOLIC AND PROPHETIC AND MUCH MORE – AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!!! BE BLESSED!!!

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RECONCILIATION NEWZ BUZZ July 2023 no 1, 9 July Newsletter of Centre for International Reconciliation and Peace

REPORT FROM ALBERT VEKSLER, HOST JERUSALEM PRAYER BREAKFAST

The Mayor of the City of Gold Coast Tom Tate was our host and we had several dignitaries present from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu – altogether 16 nations prayed for the peace of Jerusalem.

We saw something phenomenal that we haven’t seen before – governments sent their official representatives to the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast Gold Coast: Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka sent Deputy Prime Minister Gavoka; Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Marape sent the Minister of Community Development and Religion, The Hon. James Peter; Cook Islands Government sent Minister of the Crown, The Hon. Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown; Solomon Islands’ government sent The Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr., Member of the National Parliament and the Vanuatuan Prime Minister Kalsakau sent the Deputy Speaker of the Vanuatu Parliament MP Noris Kalmet and MP Jean Baptist.

From Australia, we had Mr. Robert Moelhoek, a Member of the Queensland Parliament, and The Hon. Stuart Robert, a (recently retired) Member of the Australian Parliament. Robert Ilatov, the co-chair of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, MK Tatiana Mazarsky and MK Ohad Tal represented Israel. In addition, we had delegates from Estonia, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua, New Zealand, the Philippines, Samoa, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Deputy Prime Minister Gavoka shared how God had turned around the political situation in Fiji, after the opposition leader, former PM Sitiveni Rabuka prayed at the JPB Canberra in 2020, and promised to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Not only did the Head of the Opposition become Prime Minister again, but recently the cabinet made the decision to open the Embassy in Israel.

Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast Gold Coast 3-4 July. Top Left – Pacific leaders and Aboriginal leaders Rev Les Baird & Ps Norman Miller read scriptures on opening night along with other teams. Top Right – Final song with Pacific Islander singers and Norman & Barbara Miller. Botton left – Sheena Tranter from the Commonwealth Prayer Movement UK with Norman & Barbara & Bottom right Judy Chiem, Taiwanese leader with Barbara.

Daniel Simon and Graham McLennan, speakers at Church & Cultural Challenges Conference

Hi Saints – Don’t Miss Out on this Amazing Conference – Church and Cultural Challenges!!

MESSAGE FROM DANIEL SIMON, SOLICITOR HUMAN RIGHTS LAW ALLIANCE, A SPEAKER AT ABOVE CONFERENCE

The book of Romans tells us to “Live in harmony with one another… If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

For centuries we have understood that living in harmony with others means respecting their freedom to speak freely, express their opinions, and live according to their faith. But these hard-won freedoms should not be taken for granted. In Australia today Christians find themselves under increasing pressure to stay silent, to compromise on issues of faith, and to leave their beliefs at home or in the pew. It is increasingly difficult to be open about our faith in the workplace and to form faith-based communities, schools, and charities. But these freedoms are important for all Australians, not just Christians. We should desire a society in which these fundamental freedoms are valued, so we can be free to speak the truth in love and to “overcome evil with good”.

The law in Australia provides some protection for the fundamental human right of religious freedom. But as society becomes increasingly hostile to Christianity, the gaps in the law are being exposed and conflicting rights are being given priority. Freedom of religion is seen as an excuse for people of faith to discriminate against minorities. This is seen especially in the area of LGBT issues, and Christian schools are currently at the frontlines of public debate about conflicting rights and freedoms. The Human Rights Law Alliance helps to protect the rights of Christians and Christian organisations to stay faithful to Scripture and serve freely in their communities.

MESSAGE FROM DR GRAHAM MCLENNAN, FOUNDER NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS & CHRISTIAN HERITAGE RESEARCH WEBSITE ETC. A SPEAKER AT ABOVE CONFERENCE

I will be sharing about Understanding our Christian  History with a presentation from the www.chr.org.au website which will include Individuals. Institutions, Documents and Events.

The website includes various Resources such as Books, Biographies, Multimedia, Defence and the  ANZACs which was founded by returning Chaplains from Gallipoli, Stories of Revival in Australia including our Indigenous, and God’s Sovereignty in the development of Australia with our Pioneers, Statesman including those in spheres of influence in Law, Government and Education.
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CALLING PASTORS, LEADERS & THE 5 FOLD MINISTRIES TO CANBERRA 27-29 JULY TO STRATEGIZE & PRAY RE THE CHALLENGES OUR NATION IS FACING – AT LIFESTREAM CHURCH

You can register for the conference on Eventbrite and day regos are now available – bit.ly/440qyGA

Support for Canberra Declaration’s Prayer & Work to Save Calvary Hospital ACT + Amazing Angelic Vision by an Intercessor. Also a call to attend the Church & Cultural Challenges Conference in Canberra 27-29 July

Prayer by Ps Norman Miller at Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast Gold Coast Australia 3-4 July 23
Brief Reflection re Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast Gold Coast 3-4.7.23 & After Events  with Israel Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon in Cairns 5.7.23 & Townsville 6.7.23

ALL CHRISTIANS WHO LOVE ISRAEL ARE INVITED TO THIS SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE A SHABBAT MEAL AND HEAR FROM GIFTED MESSIANIC JEWISH PASTORS FROM ISRAEL PS AVI & CHAYA MIZRACHI 18-20 AUGUST AT TABERNACLE OF DAVID, 33 LAKE ST CAIRNS. IT IS CO-HOSTED BY INDIGENOUS FRIENDS OF ISRAEL WHICH IS OPEN TO NON-INDIGENOUS AS WELL.

REGISTER at https://reconciliationandpeace.org/events/2023-conference/

The Israel Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon spoke at events with Jews and Christians in Cairns at Royals church pastored by Adem Xhafer and at the Baptist Church Townsville pastored by Garry Wynn. Other speakers at both events were Ps Joel Baker from the Sunshine Coast, Matthew Chivers, head of Bridges for Peace Australia, Ian Worby, head of Christians for Israel Australia, Barry Rodgers Director of the Australian Lighthorse Association and Ps Norman and Barbara Miller, founders of Indigenous Friends of Israel. Rabbi Riesenberg from Melbourne who works with Christians in SCAFI – Southern Cross Alliance for Israel, spoke in Cairns only. David Jack, also of SCAFI videod all events. John Lockwood of SCAFI also attended both events and spoke at our church on 8.7.23

Ambassador Amir Maimon pictured with the Miller family in Cairns.

HAVE A PRAYER NEED? LET US KNOW

Also World Prayer Assembly in Perth 3-6 Oct 23
https://world.prayerassembly.org/

THE MOST AMAZING VIDEOS ON ISRAEL, PRAYER, WORSHIP, THE APOSTOLIC AND PROPHETIC AND MUCH MORE – AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!!! BE BLESSED!!!


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RECONCILIATION NEWZ BUZZ April 2023 no 1 Newsletter of Centre for International Reconciliation and Peace

This is an early newsletter as there is so much happening and we want to be timely. Just sample the content that interests you because we know there is so much out there. Enjoy!

The Christian mayor of the Gold Coast, Australia invites us to the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast this July. Norman and Barbara participated at the first Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast at Old Parliament House in Canberra some years ago now. You will be blessed by attending. The Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast works in with the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and meets with the leaders of the nations and Christians and Jews all around the world. We were blessed to have one of their key people, Albert Veksler, speak at one of our Tabernacle of David Asia Pacific Prayer meetings we hosted. 

Left – Cartoon re the Voice in Independent News. Right – Norman Miller with former  Mayor of Yarrabah Aboriginal community,Percy Neal, at a meeting with the Uluru Statement from the Heart group 10.4.22

The Voice and Constitutional Recognition of First Nations People: For and Against Arguments

by Barbara Miller 23.3.23

A historic vote has just taken place (Wednesday night 22.3.23) to pass the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Amendment Bill in both houses of federal parliament. Opposition leader, Peter Dutton, gave Coalition support after securing some amendments in relation to the referendum on the Voice that will be held between October and December this year. 

Whereas governments in the past had funded both the yes and no campaigns for referendums, the Albanese government had been planning to only fund an information campaign that would in essence be pro-voice and were seeking to censor misinformation, which people took to mean, no campaign arguments. They were also only granting tax-deductible gift recipient (DGR) status to the yes campaign. This was discriminatory. That mostly changed this week.

While Dutton was not able to secure funding for a no campaign, representations from the coalition have meant that the government will only be able to fund a neutral civics and education program so that any public funding on activities considered partisan can be legally challenged. Also, the no campaign can now benefit from DGR status.

There have been divisions with the referendum working group the government set up to advise it. These were over whether to include advice to executive government (public service and ministers) as well as parliament. When the Attorney General and Solicitor General raised concerns that including advice to executive government with the referendum working group, they were rejected. While the Solicitor Generals advice has not, and should be, made public, it appears the recommendation was to include “ministers of the crown” and not the public service.

Right up to the last minute, it looked like the Albanese government would end up in a big fight with the referendum working group over the final wording of what would be put to the public in the referendum. However, it was the Prime Minister (PM) himself who had added “executive government” into the wording for the Voice referendum he gave at the Garma Festival. So, despite the possible legal minefield and possible bogging down of government, the PM has agreed to their advice. As the PM has said in the past, it would be a brave government that did not take the advice of the Voice even if it is not a veto.

After cabinet approval, the PM (Albo as he is called) met with some of the 21 members of the Voice for a press conference on 23.3.23 to confirm the wording that would be put to the Australian public on referendum day. The consensus was nearly not there in time but the deadline was Thursday as there would be a final vote in parliament next week on the wording when a constitutional alteration bill will be put to parliament.

Albo was a bit teary as he is staking his political career on the referendum’s success as it will be a big part of his legacy. Albo’s draft amendment was, the Voice “may make representations to parliament and the executive government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”

The final wording the referendum working group put to cabinet who agreed to it is, “A proposed law: To alter the constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

SEE MORE

First Indigenous Voice to Parliament in SA 26.3.23

South Australia has become the first jurisdiction in the country to set up an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. A special Sunday sitting of SA Parliament passed the bill creating the Voice, which has been assented to by the governor in a ceremonial meeting of the state’s executive council. 

Addressing the Lower House, Premier Peter Malinauskas described the legislation as “momentous” for the state’s Indigenous people.
“It has been a long time coming but First Nations voices will now be heard in the state of South Australia,” he said.

Representatives for the South Australian Voice will be elected in coming months, with the mechanism expected to be running by the end of the year.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-26/sa-first-jurisdiction-to-establish-voice-to-parliament/102146780

Left – Royston Sagigi-Baira at Idol contest and Right – Mayor of Mapoon Aileen Addo giving out plaques to the leaders or descendants of the leaders who led the move back to Mapoon to rebuild it in 1974.

SPEAKING ABOUT VOICE, WHO WON AUSTRALIAN IDOL?

by Barbara Miller

I’ve not been watching Australian Idol but I had to watch tonight (26.3.23) because Royston Sagigi-Baira from Mapoon Aboriginal community north of Weipa in north Queensland is one of the finalists. I remember listening to him singing at a concert in Mapoon in 2018. The people loved to hear him sing and the community are watching eagerly tonight on zoom or similar. 

The reason Norman and I were there and the reason for the concert was the Paanja Festival which commemorated the resurrection of Mapoon from the ashes after it had been burnt down by the Qld government and the people removed by police in 1963. I helped them move back in 1974 and wrote a book about it in 2018 called  White Woman Black Heart: Journey Home to Old Mapoon, A Memoir. I took the book to Mapoon to give to the leaders of the move back and their families and to the Aboriginal council. 

Mapoon is a wonderful community that does not have the problems with crime, alcohol or domestic violence that plague some communities and the young people love to go fishing and crabbing and go bush. I think part of the reason was the struggle to rebuild from nothing and the strength of the people. They have recently built a new church there because even that had been burnt down by the government and for many years they worshipped at the rebuilt school. I am so glad I helped make it possible for them to move back.

Well, to much tears and joy, Royston won, and his community, and much of Australia, celebrate with him. He grew up singing in the church and at school in the small beachside and bush community of 300. 

His childhood pastor and lifelong friend James Hughes says he is not surprised Royston has made it this far in the competition because he always saw his star potential.

“I first met Royston when he was just six years old and I moved to Mapoon as the pastor,” James says.

“Even then Royston’s voice was just beautiful …”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-25/royston-sagigi-baira-australian-idol-finalist/102141892

Free Anointed Worship Tabernacle of David Cairns led by Thomas Miller
Prophetic song and prophetic word by Ps Norman Miller. Prophecy by Norman over Tom starts at 9.47 minutes.

Not surprising that during worship Anita saw Jesus on His throne touch the top of her head and smile at her. This was an awesome experience.

Culture War Against the Church conference
Canberra 29-31 July 2023

If you would like to partner with us in the Culture War Against the Church conference the Lord has put on our hearts to host or if you would like to regularly intercede for it, please let us know. We are meeting with a group of intercessors from 3 April at 7pm AEST fortnightly to pray for the conference. The Lord has put on our heart to produce a 21-day prayer guide also for you to use in your own time.

Jesus or Yeshua was right when He prophecied and declared that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church because Caesarea Philippi where He said it is in ruins and its temples are in disuse. The gospel of Jesus has expanded worldwide.

However, this is no time for complacency. I saw a vision of a crab in a pot of water and the temperature slowly increased until it was boiled and dead. I don’t know if this happens in real life but it is a warning to us because things can change imperceptibly for the worse and one day we turn around and wonder how it happened.

Messiah in Isaiah: Songs of the Suffering Servant
by Ps Barbara Miller
The traditional Jewish understanding of this scripture is discussed as well as the Christian understanding. 

Mat 8:16-17 “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him (Jesus or Yeshua), and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases’.” Isaiah 53:4

TREATY MEETINGS HELD AROUND QLD

Norman and Barbara attended a meeting in Cairns on 20.3.23 which was the first of the Qld government’s consultations re a treaty with its Indigenous people. Barbara will write a report on it soon.

The Queensland Legislative Assembly will meet at the Cairns Convention Centre for the sixth regional sitting of the Queensland Parliament from Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 May 2023 where it is expected to make a big announcement re its treaty and truth-telling process. It is not doing the Voice first but treaty and truth-telling first.

Attending Regional Parliament is free and everyone is welcome.

Have you dreamed of being a successful published author? Do you believe you have a book in you? As an internationally bestselling author (Barbara Miller), I believe the Lord has put it on my heart to help Christians to write and publish books to bless others. I have written 4 guides to get you started. If interested, check it out.

HAVE A PRAYER NEED? LET US KNOW

THE MOST AMAZING VIDEOS ON ISRAEL, PRAYER, WORSHIP, THE APOSTOLIC AND PROPHETIC AND MUCH MORE – AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!!! BE BLESSED!!!

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